The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the best nanny for children. Staffordshire Bull Terrier: all characteristics and description of the breed British Staffordshire Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (like its offshoot, the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier) is one of the most interesting, but at the same time controversial breeds. Our article will help you get acquainted with the description and standard of the breed, the behavior and character of the animal.

The history of the breed dates back to the 16th century. It was first bred in the English county of Staffordshire, which is why it got its name. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the result of crossing two dogs: a fearless bulldog and an active terrier.

As a result of such an experiment by English dog breeders, a breed arose that inherited the massiveness and power of the bulldog, while becoming more agile. Initially, representatives of this breed had some differences, but in general they were ideal for both baiting animals and dog fighting. At this time, the popularization of Staffordshire bull terriers began. But at the beginning of the 20th century, fighting was prohibited, and the breed migrated from the category of “killer dogs” to companions.

In 1935, the first breed standard was determined - height, weight, color. In subsequent years, dogs from Staffordshire became participants in international exhibitions. And in 2006, Staffordshire Bull Terriers were recognized as the best dog for home keeping. Today, representatives of this breed occupy a leading position (in popularity) among the British and Americans.

Characteristics and standards of the breed

The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a strong and muscular build. And despite the fact that this breed is not distinguished by proportionality, which is due to shortened paws, the dogs are very graceful and active. The difference in proportions gives the impression of a very massive chest compared to other fighting dog breeds.

The optimal height (height) of a dog at the withers is 38-40 cm, weight - 17 kg for males and 15 kg for females. Slight deviations in weight are allowed. The dog's entire body is covered with hard and short hair, which can have a variety of colors - from amber to a combination of all shades of brown and white. The so-called “tiger color” is also standard. The English Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier (a separate breed developed in the USA) are very similar, so identical standards apply. The only significant difference is considered to be color.

Main characteristics of the breed:

• height up to 40 cm;
• massive muzzle;
• correct and strong bite;
• straight, level back;
• well developed muscles.

The average lifespan of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 15-16 years.

Character and education

All Staffords have a rather capricious character, and combined with enormous strength, this can lead to many problems for the owner of such a dog. To prevent this from happening, first of all, the puppy must be raised correctly. And the first commands learned should be “No!” and “Come to me!”

Dog handlers and experienced breeders categorically do not recommend scolding a small Staff Bull if it does not follow commands. Otherwise, if you constantly scold the puppy, he will decide that the owner will punish every time this command is executed. It is important to remember that the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, like the English one, cannot be retrained, so it is important not to miss a single nuance. It is recommended to begin active training 5 months after birth. It is important to accustom the Stuff Bull to a leash, and the owner must show the puppy that he is the “leader of the pack”, and the dog’s task is to carry out his command. As the many years of experience of breeders shows, Staffords are distinguished not only by their strength, but also by their intelligence; they are easy to train and easily cope with assigned tasks.

Year-round molting can cause many problems. Due to the fact that the dog's hair is short and coarse, regular brushing will help practically get rid of hair in the apartment. There is also good news: dogs of this breed do not have a pronounced odor, so bathing can be done as needed. As for regular procedures, these include cleaning the ears and teeth (must be done once a week), as well as trimming the nails (every month).

Don’t forget to monitor the dog’s general condition: if he refuses to eat, has lost weight, or has stopped leading an active lifestyle, then an urgent need to go to a veterinary clinic.

Approximate cost of a puppy

It’s worth noting right away that the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a cheap breed. The price of one puppy starts from 12 thousand rubles and can even reach 300 thousand rubles. Of course, this directly depends on the availability of the pedigree, the nursery where the puppy was born, and so on.

• negative attitude towards dogs of other breeds;
• aggressiveness after childbirth;
• has a changeable mood;
• may show aggression in the company of strangers.

Despite the considerable number of disadvantages, the latter are common and apply to most other breeds. If everything is very clear with the above, then character traits can be attributed to both pros and cons. This is due to the fact that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a very strong-willed, but at the same time wayward character. If you manage to become his friend, he will never leave you in trouble. But there is another side to the coin - this is a long process of training.

Representatives of this breed can feel sad and indulge in apathy. This behavior is associated with a lack of attention and activity, which can lead to impairment of both the physical and mental health of the dog. Based on all the information provided, one conclusion can be drawn: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog for active and patient people.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was bred to be a brave and strong fighter, but later the breed underwent changes that were aimed at making the dog an excellent companion and loyal friend. This is one of the few breeds whose standard has a mark indicating exceptional loyalty to children. In Sweden, staffs actively participated in agility.

Country of origin: Great Britain.

The history of the breed begins in England, in the county of Staffordshire, and one of the most significant figures in it was the Duke of Hamilton. In 1770, he became interested in fighting dogs and decided to become the creator of a new breed. He took into work his Old English bulldogs, which were lighter and faster than their brothers. In 1835, Parliament banned dog baiting, and it was decided to begin work on crossing bulldogs and terriers so that new dogs could participate in hunting and baiting rats. The bred specimens were simply named “bull and terrier.”

By the mid-19th century, these dogs, already widespread in England, were divided into two directions. The first line was called the Bull Terrier; the representatives were exclusively white in color with an elongated muzzle. The dogs of the second line were very similar to modern Staffbulls. In 1861, after participating in exhibitions, the breed gained popularity, and in 1935 it received recognition from the dog breeding society.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed was standardized in 1936. Interestingly, in the same year the dog was recognized as an honorary house companion, but there was no talk about fighting skills.

External data

A very strong, strong dog. The physique is proportional.

• The head has a wide skull and a short muzzle. The jaw is strong with correct bite. The eyes are dark and set straight. The medium-sized, semi-erect ears are not cropped.
• The neck is quite short, widening towards the shoulders. The back is straight. The forelimbs are set wide apart. The tail is set low and tapers to the tip.
• The coat is short and smooth. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, despite popular belief, is not at all aggressive; it is very affectionate and trusting. With proper upbringing, obedient and balanced. He has an energetic, strong temperament and slight tenacity. Needs daily communication and attention.

Training

Training a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is quite a difficult task. The breed requires a correct and systematic approach. First of all, it is necessary to train the dog in obedience, socialize it, and only then begin teaching specialized commands. When working with a pet, the help of an experienced instructor will not hurt. If you are going to get a dog solely for protection, it is better to think about a different breed.

You should start raising a puppy immediately after he arrives at your home. Don't let your baby irritate you about your adult dog. Eg:

• sleeping on the bed;
• jumping on your feet;
• biting hands;
• begging, etc.

Once your pet is five months old, you can begin serious training. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an intelligent breed and usually handles any kind of exercise easily.

The first command to which the dog must be accustomed is “to me.” Stick to the golden rule, which should always be the basis of training - you cannot scold the dog, especially if it copes with the task, although not very confidently yet. Stafford may decide that he will always be scolded after he fulfills your request and may begin to ignore you.

The next training point is walking on a leash. The pet should feel that he is a follower, and not vice versa. If the staff starts to pull on the leash, pull it back and change direction. After that, take care of the team nearby. If your progress in training has stalled, hire a professional trainer to help.

Physical activity should be very good. If all the dog's irrepressible energy is not spent on training and games, it can develop into aggression or unwanted damage to property.

Character

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a strong and balanced character. Infinitely devoted to his master, reliable and faithful. May be wary of strangers, but not prone to aggression. He is very attached to his family and will do anything to become the center of attention.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier always notices danger, as it is very attentive to the events happening around it. Little escapes his sight. If the dog suspects something wrong, he will definitely let his owner know about it and will defend him at the cost of his own life.

Early socialization is important for this breed, because it is very important that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier grows up calm and balanced. Typically, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are distinguished by their gentle disposition, but in any case they are fearless fighters capable of defending their interests.

Being a dominant breed, it is necessary to introduce the dog to other members of the tribe from early childhood. This way you can notice possible signs of aggression and conflict.

The relationship with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier involves the correct distribution of roles. Let your dog feel that you are the leader of the pack. It is better to nip in the bud any attempt by the dog to take a dominant position.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a dog that requires exercise. Therefore, if you do not have enough time to raise a pet, it is better to get another dog.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can attack another dog without focusing on whether the opponent is a male, female or puppy. This behavior is considered unnatural, but understandable. One should not discount the fact that Staffords used to be bred contrary to the norms of behavior. This increased the animal’s chances of surviving in an unequal battle. Usually, dogs don't fight to the death. There are exceptions, but they are rare.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has lost these natural mechanisms; it can grow uncontrollable, even if the owner raised him according to all the norms of social behavior. Unfortunately, some pets are not helped by either training or active contact with other dogs. In these individuals, the heredity of fighting dogs overcomes social adaptation and nothing remains but strict control over the animal’s aggression. You can only walk with such a pet on a leash and muzzle.

Staffs do not require special conditions of detention. They feel great in apartments and private houses, although they can freeze outside during the cold season. It is very important to provide your pet with good physical activity.

Dogs of this breed usually get along well with other animals. They can show rough tenderness towards cats. Small dogs are more often ignored, not considered equal. Although, it is worth saying that there are males who are not going to establish relationships with their relatives and are trying to take a leading position.

Staffs love children very much and are patient with everything a child can do. Grooming for short-haired dogs is minimal. The pet needs to be combed periodically. Clean the ears and trim the claws if necessary. Sensitive to mood swings and will not tolerate mistreatment. He can be stubborn and overly independent.

Diet

You can feed your staff with natural food or ready-made food. But it is necessary to take into account that the dog needs a good load on the teeth; it can be provided with various hard treats or beef moslaks.

For your puppy to become a real champion, you will have to feed him closely and intensively. Feeding a staff dog is a serious issue, because the pet’s physical performance depends on the quality and balance of nutrition.

So what should you feed your Staffordshire Bull Terrier? One of the best foods in a fighting dog's diet is meat. If possible, there should be a lot of meat, about 2/3 of the daily requirement.

It is not recommended to feed the animal potatoes, sweets, and flour products. Try to minimize the amount of salt and sugar in your pet's food. It is highly undesirable to add small meat or fish bones to your dog’s food.

If you decide to switch your dog to store-bought food, then do not opt ​​for the budget option, as the content of nutrients is lower than in premium food. Remember one rule - high-quality dog ​​food costs the same as good human food. Stick to this pricing policy and your pet will delight you with health and energy.

Stafford Health

The breed as a whole is quite prosperous.

Hereditary diseases include cataracts and possible abnormalities in the functioning of the immune system in dogs that are carriers of a certain gene. Some representatives have allergies, problems with the digestive system and the musculoskeletal system. At a young age, a bald patch may form on the head or the tip of the tail; this is not a disease, but just a breed feature, but in each case, consultation with a specialist is necessary. Life expectancy is up to 15 years.

Care

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier does not require special care. Like most short-haired animals, he is combed once a week with a special brush, his ears are periodically checked and cleaned, and his claws are trimmed.

The animal's eyes should be free of visible discharge and clean. Staffors are generally susceptible to eye diseases. Take this fact into account. If your pet begins to have any problems with the eyes, contact your veterinarian immediately.

But physical activity requires very active, daily training, exercises and games. Those who keep a pet in a private home should take into account that staffs love to dig flower beds and will easily jump over a low fence.

If the Staffordshire Bull Terrier does not receive enough exercise, it can become noisy and destructive. In this case, a tired dog is a happy dog. If the animal receives enough physical exercise, its behavior will be calm and quiet.

Photos

Photos of Staffordshire Bull Terrier:

Intelligent eyes and a face with a wide smile – this English Staffordshire Bull Terrier charms at first sight. Despite its small stature, the dog is very strong and brave. How to support and raise her will be discussed in the article.

The origin of the noble breed is associated with England. The animal owes its origin to the dynasty of the Dukes of Hamilton from the county of Staffordshire. Legend has it that a nobleman who lived in the 18th century became interested in dog fighting, which was popular in those days. He bred Staffordshire bull terriers from dogs that lived in his kennels.

The ancestors of staff bulls were Old English mastiffs, terriers and bulldogs. These fearless dogs were used to poison bulls in the dark Middle Ages. This is where the name came from - bull terrier. The dogs were taken to America by settlers who went there in search of a better life. The breed was very popular in this country, and its breeding followed a slightly different path than in its homeland. Large animals with increased aggressiveness were selected for mating. Currently, English and American Staffordshire Terriers are two different breeds.

The English Kennel Club approved the Staffbull standard in 1935. It hasn't changed since then. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed in 1954.

Description and characteristics of the breed

This is an active and resilient, very strong dog. She is smaller in size than the American Staffordshire Terrier. The maximum height at the withers for a male dog is 40 cm, the minimum is 35 cm, weight is 13–17 kg.

Unlike bulldogs, the Staffbull has no folds on the skin, the bridge of the nose is not too short, and the body is slender and muscular. When you look at its face, you might think that the dog is smiling, while its eyes glow with intelligence and curiosity.

Don't be fooled by the Staffie's cute appearance: his ancestors were fighting breeds of dogs. Power, strength and aggression are inherent in the animal at the genetic level. With improper and inept training, conflicts, fights with other dogs and disobedience to the owner are possible.

Lifespan

Staffordshire Bull Terriers live 12–14 years. They do not have any special health problems. It is necessary to undergo examination at a veterinary clinic once a year and receive vaccinations in a timely manner.

The dog does not tolerate very cold and hot weather. When the air temperature is from 0 to -5 °C, you need to ensure that the animal does not sit still during a walk, but constantly moves. In severe frost, it is better to postpone classes at the training site.

In hot weather, in the summer, you should not put a muzzle on the dog; he can only cool his body temperature through an open mouth. It is advisable to carry some drinking water and a bowl with you so that your dog can quench his thirst. In a closed car in the sun, your pet is in serious danger; he may die from overheating.

Purpose of a dog

The staffordshire bull terrier's protective instinct is poorly developed, so there is no point in requiring him to take such actions in relation to property or yard territory. There is absolutely no aggression towards people. This is a wonderful companion dog - loyal, brave, smart, active and cheerful. She gets along well with children and pets, which she has been accustomed to since childhood.

The original purpose of a staff bull is a fighting dog, fighting in the ring with its own kind. The “call of blood” sometimes manifests itself in unreasonable aggression towards other dogs. Therefore, dog handlers consider the breed difficult to maintain for inexperienced dog breeders. Beginners will definitely need the help of a trainer in raising a puppy.

Breed standard and puppy selection

The dog is small in stature, powerful and strong, proportionally built, with pronounced muscles. The character is courageous and fearless.

Description of the breed, standard requirements:

• wide skull, well-developed cheekbone muscles;
• the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly pronounced;
• short muzzle with black nose;
• the eyes are round, small, dark, their color matches the color of the coat;
• the ears are slightly curved, like rose petals;
• strong jaws, perfectly correct bite and large teeth;
• the neck is short, powerful;
• limbs are slender, the forelimbs are widely spaced, the hind limbs are parallel to each other;
• the back is straight, the chest is deep and wide, muscular;
• the tail is set low, tapers to the tip, is of medium length, and is not curled into a ring.

The smooth coat of Staffbulls without undercoat can have different colors: fawn, white, black, red, brindle, blue. White spots on the main background are acceptable, liver coloring is undesirable.

When choosing a staff, you need to focus on the requirements of the standard and common sense. The puppy must be from a nursery, with documents, and cost no less than the market price. And you should also pay attention to the behavior and appearance of the parents of the future pet, and check the pedigree. Character is inherited. It is advisable not to adopt a hyperactive or cowardly puppy.

A city apartment and private property are equally suitable for staffies. You can only keep a dog at home; it will freeze in an enclosure in winter.

Feeding depends on the metabolism of each individual animal, but there are general rules that will help the owner choose the right diet and diet. Adult dogs are fed 1–2 times a day, puppies - from 3 months to six months 4 times a day, from 6 months to a year - 3 times. Food is given after physical activity and a walk, so that intestinal volvulus does not occur. The question of what to feed the dog depends on the capabilities and desires of the owner. The simplest option is ready-made premium and superpremium dry and wet food. When choosing a natural product, preference is given to protein foods: meat, fish, offal. About 20% of the daily menu is vegetables and cereals.

The Staff Bull is a short-haired breed that sheds twice a year. You need to be prepared for the occasional appearance of hair on furniture and carpets. If you brush your dog once a day during shedding with a furminator, the consequences of this period will be less. After every walk, the dog's paws are washed. Bathe once a month to eliminate the specific odor emanating from the fur.

It is advisable to walk for at least 2 hours a day, twice – in the morning and in the evening. During such exercise, it is advisable to engage in games with physical activity. The collar and leash must be strong, as the dog is strong and can test the strength of the equipment worn. You should not let your child go for a walk without being accompanied by an adult.

Training and education of a Staff Bull Terrier

You need to work with the animal from a very early age, as soon as it appears in the house. In nurseries, Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies undergo primary socialization. You should not buy a puppy under 3 months old.

Once home with a permanent owner, the new tenant must immediately learn the rules of living together. The dog has a very inquisitive mind and an excellent memory. Education must be consistent, prohibitions and limits of what is permitted must be constant. When a staffie begins to obey and follow commands, he perceives the owner as a leader, and the risk of conflicts is reduced to a minimum.

Experienced dog handlers do not recommend training a Staff Bull as a security guard. This can lead to increased levels of aggressiveness, uncontrollable anger, and conflicts with other animals.

A person who understands that a pet must be manageable and obedient can go with it to the training ground. In a group with other dogs, the puppy will undergo an OKD course, and an experienced instructor will help correct all the shortcomings and mistakes in training in a timely manner. You can choose another path - contact a specialist trainer and master the necessary commands according to an individual program.

Pros and cons of the breed

First, about the advantages of the staffie, since there are more of them than the disadvantages:

• a good companion if raised properly;
• has a developed intellect, quickly assimilates commands;
• active, cheerful, loves outdoor games;
• fearless and devoted to the owner;
• has good health and a balanced psyche.

The disadvantages of the breed include periodic shedding and a complex character. The dog is active and strong, requires regular training and a lot of attention.

The English Staffordshire Terrier is a constant and tireless friend. He charges with optimism and does not allow you to get bored, gets along well with the outside world and is always ready to express his devoted love to his owner.

It seems aggressive, but in fact it is an excellent companion, friend dog and loyal protector.

We are talking about the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Description

The description of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed appears to have certain characteristics and qualities of the standard.

• A country: Great Britain.
• Litter: 5-10 puppies.
• Height: 35-40 cm at the withers.
• Weight: 12-20 kg.
• Color: red, fawn, white, black, brindle, etc., maybe with white spots. The standard does not allow black and tan and liver.
• Body: strong, muscular, lean, but graceful. Proportional, but the legs are somewhat shortened. The relief of the muscles is visible, especially in males. The chest is wide, the lower back is massive.
• Neck: powerful, short, without skin folds.
• Wool: smooth, short, hard, on thick skin.
• Head: large. The muzzle is shortened. The nose is always black. The massive jaws are always tightly clenched, without jowls. Correct bite.
• Ears: can be docked, everted, erect, sometimes hanging.
• Tail: medium, pointed. Doesn't twist.

Did you know? Stafford will always defend the owner and his family, but is not suitable for protecting the house.

History of the breed

The history goes back to ancient times. The Stafford's ancestors are believed to have lived thousands of years ago. Such dogs lived only in aristocratic houses or with rulers.

But the breed itself began to take shape in the Middle Ages. The name comes from the English county of Staffordshire. It was there, according to researchers, that the modern breed originated. The most famous breeder was the English Duke of Hamilton, who bred bulldogs. Later, by crossing bulldogs and terriers, the bull terrier was bred.

Why a bull terrier is understandable. Both and were often bred for bull baiting, hence the name. In the 18th-19th centuries, dogs were often used as, and later - for catching rats and burrowing animals.

Work on the breed continued, the standard in England was adopted in 1935, and in 1939 it was officially adopted by the English Kennel Club. In the 70s of the last century, Staffordshire Terriers were brought to America, where they became known as American Staffordshire Terriers. Nowadays dogs are used more for exhibitions and as companions.

Did you know? In a number of countries, there are restrictive laws on the keeping, breeding, and sale of Staffordshire Terriers, for example, in Spain, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Ireland, and France.

Choosing a puppy

The choice of an English Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy must be approached with special responsibility. Be sure to visit several exhibitions, find out the price from breeders, study the description and characteristics of the breed, stages of training, and only then decide whether you have enough patience and perseverance to raise such a pet.
When choosing a puppy, you need to find out about the health of the breeders. A certificate from a clinic is not an indicator; heredity is also important.

If you can't, don't buy. If you are ready to show maximum care and perseverance in raising, then look for a puppy. The price of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier varies: from $50 to $1200. It's cheaper from an amateur breeder, but expensive from a nursery. Do you plan to participate in exhibitions in the future or do you need a companion? Your choice will depend on this.
It is better to buy Staffordshire breeds that meet the standard from an officially registered nursery. Then you will definitely be sure that you meet the standard. The price of such a puppy is usually about $800-1000, but may be higher due to the rating of the parents. An important factor in favor of buying a baby from a kennel is that a registered kennel will provide original bull terrier documents.

If you are just buying a companion, you can also buy from an amateur. Then the price will be from $50. Suitable age for purchase is from 8-9 weeks and older. Take the puppy out of the house to see its parents. Well-groomed healthy parents mean healthy children.

When choosing a puppy, pay attention to the baby's appearance. A healthy baby has a well-groomed appearance, his body without a big belly. The skin on the abdomen should be free of rash.
Examine your pet's ears, nose, and eyes. They should be free from scratching, discharge and, moreover, odorless. There should be no traces of feces under the tail. Be sure to look into the mouth. It should be free of wounds and inflammation.

Watch puppies outside. In the game it is easy to see the baby's character. Choose which one suits you. Review certificates of vaccinations and deworming. Girl or boy - it's your choice.

Accommodations

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog is a pet with special “requests”. First of all, it must be said that he cannot live outside in the yard. This is a dog that should always be with the family. Therefore, he must live in an apartment or house.
A place for the dog must be equipped. A bed is a must. The place for eating is separate. The leash is always in the same place.

Did you know? Staffords lovelookTV with the owner, lying on the sofa.

Care

Grooming a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is easy. You need to pay attention to the fur, ears, eyes, teeth, and claws. The dog needs to be bathed and walked regularly. More about this below.

Wool

The Stafford has a short coat and does not require special care. Its peculiarity is that there is no seasonal molting. A small amount of hair is lost throughout the year. The dog must be brushed weekly with a soft brush purchased from a specialty store.

Ears, eyes, teeth, claws

Ears, eyes, teeth and claws require more attention. You should check your ears weekly for inflammation and infection. Cleaning is a must. The remedy will be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Important! Never self-medicate your dog, it can only cause harm.

This dog’s eyes “don’t run,” so any discharge from the eyes should alert you. In this case, it is better to go to the clinic, because these dogs are susceptible to eye diseases.

The claws need to be trimmed monthly with a special nail clipper and sharp edges treated with a file. Your pet's teeth should be brushed with a brush purchased at a veterinary pharmacy or store. This way you will ensure your dog has healthy gums, no tartar, and a fresh mouth.

Bathing

The breed has almost no odor, so it needs to be bathed infrequently. Once every two months is enough. If the dog is “sloppy”, you can bathe more often.

Walks

The physical component is very important for Stafford. The first rule here is not to overfeed. The second is to provide increased physical activity. Then the dog will be healthy and happy. Each walk should be accompanied by training to such an extent that the dog returns home tired. This could be active games, running, following commands. Then your home will remain safe and sound. If after a couple of hours, after resting, the bull terrier wants to play, provide him with toys.

Nutrition

The Staffordshire Terrier dog can be obese, so diet and increased physical activity are especially important for it. The breed is not picky about food. He eats a little. The food may consist of ready-made or canned food, or “natural” food. For this breed, the best nutrition option is a balanced premium food.

Important! Never overfeed your dog.

If the dog does not finish its portion, remove the food after 10 minutes; you can get the uneaten portion later. If you want to switch the animal to another food, transfer gradually over 8-10 days.
Puppies should be weaned off their mother's milk by 3-4 weeks. The basis of the baby’s diet is meat, since when forming muscles, he needs protein. Divide the daily diet into 5 feedings. At 5 months you can switch to three meals a day, and after 1 year - to two meals a day.

Important! Don't feed your dog from your table. The dog should have its own place to eat.

When feeding your dog natural products, you must follow certain rules:

• any food should be at room temperature;
• dogs can only eat beef;
• give meat cut into pieces;
• minced meat cannot be given;
• Before eating, freeze the meat, then defrost it and pour boiling water over it;
• alternate sea fish with meat;
• bird bones are contraindicated;
• It is prohibited to give river fish;
• Pour boiling water over vegetables, fruits, herbs, give raw, with 3 drops of vegetable oil;
• boiled quail eggs 1-2 times a week;
• raw eggs are not allowed;
• Hard cheeses, smoked meats, sweets, flour, nuts are strictly prohibited;
• milk may cause stomach upset;
• 1 time every 3-4 months - vitamin complex;
• a bowl of clean water is always available.

Important! Never give puppies bones.

Education and training

Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies need to be trained from the first day of purchase. This is due to the character of the dog. From an early age, puppies are very independent and do not want to listen to their owner. Here you need to show perseverance and endurance. The first command is “to me.” Just never use it for punishment, so that negative associations do not arise. It is immediately necessary to accustom the puppy to a leash with the mindset that it is not the dog that pulls the owner, but the owner who leads the dog.

Important! Never be cruel to a dog!

Stafford is a dog that tries to prove from the very beginning that he is the boss of the house. This cannot be allowed, because the consequences will be disastrous. The dog will stop listening to the owner, will always do only what he wants, will begin to play pranks and, perhaps, even show aggression if someone tries to stop him.
At a very early age, in addition to education and education, socialization must be present. It is important to teach your dog to correctly perceive people, dogs and other animals. If something doesn’t work out, study the issue in specialized literature and consult with specialists. As a last resort, involve a dog handler in the process.

Health and characteristic diseases

There are practically no hereditary health problems in Staffordshire Terriers. The following diseases are worth highlighting:

• congenital deafness from birth;
• cataract;
• ICD (urolithiasis);
• dysplasia of the elbow and pelvic joint;
• heart diseases;
• hypothyroidism;
• luxation of the patella;
• skin allergies.

Important! If you suspect a disease, do not delay, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are loving, loyal and caring pets. With proper upbringing, they will not cause trouble, but, on the contrary, will be helpers and protectors.

General form
The dog is smooth-haired, proportionally built, and has amazing strength for such a small dog. Muscular, active, mobile.

Characteristic
Traditionally, he has indomitable courage and tenacity. A very smart dog, especially when communicating with children.

Character
Courageous, fearless and absolutely reliable.

Head
Short, with a wide skull. Pronounced muscles of the cheekbones, a distinct transition from the forehead to the muzzle, the muzzle is short, the nose is black.

Eyes
As a rule, they are dark, but the color may depend somewhat on the coat. Round, small, set straight. The edges of the eyelids are dark.

Ears
Rose petal or semi-erect, not large or heavy, positioned correctly. Completely drooping or erect ears are highly undesirable.

Mouth
Lips are tight and clean. The jaws are strong, the teeth are large, with an ideal, regular and complete bite, that is, the upper teeth closely overlap the lower ones and fit tightly to the gums.

Neck
Muscular, rather short, with a distinct silhouette, gradually widening towards the shoulders.

Forelegs
Straight and slender, set wide apart, wrists strong, feet turned slightly outward. Shoulders laid back. Elbows are strong.

Torso
Strongly built, with a level back, broad chest and deep sternum, with flexible ribs, muscular and well defined.

Hind limbs
With well-developed muscles; The hocks are set low and the shins are well sloping. When viewed from behind, the limbs are parallel.

Paws
The pads are well developed. The paws are strong and of medium size. Dark-colored dogs have black claws.

Tail
Moderate length, set low, tapering to the tip. The dog holds it quite low. It should not bend too much; it may resemble an old-fashioned pump handle.

Movements
Free, confident, fast and economical. The legs move in parallel. The impulse of movement is created largely by the hind limbs.

Coat
Smooth, short, dense.

Color
Red, fawn, brindle, black, blue or a combination of any of these colors with white; white with spots of these colors; white.

Staffy Bull colors registered by the English Kennel Club.